ICC Permit Technician Practice Exam

Which type of sign is typically required to have specific permits for installation?

1. Directional signs

2. Election campaign signs

3. Billboards

4. Portable signs

The correct answer is: Billboards

Billboards are typically required to have specific permits for installation due to the potential impact they can have on local zoning, aesthetics, traffic, and public safety. Governments and municipalities often have strict regulations regarding the placement, size, lighting, and content of billboards to ensure that they do not interfere with public spaces or traffic flow. This regulatory oversight helps maintain community standards and minimizes visual clutter in both urban and rural settings. The process for permitting billboards usually involves submitting plans to the appropriate local authority, which reviews and assesses them against zoning laws and other regulatory frameworks. This may include public hearings or notifications to nearby property owners, depending on the jurisdiction. While directional signs, election campaign signs, and portable signs may also be subject to local regulations, they often have less stringent permitting requirements compared to billboards. This is due to their different purposes, visibility, and the fact that they usually do not occupy large physical spaces or impact the environment to the same extent. Therefore, billboards stand out as the type of sign that typically necessitates a more formal permitting process.